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Evidence concerning the prescription of isolated resistance training (RT) to hypertensive individuals is limited. Guidelines are divergent concerning RT inclusion for prehypertensive and hypertensive persons. A meta-analysis investigating data with larger sample sizes provides more robust effect size estimates and allows for inferences on clinical choices concerning the effectiveness of RT alone. In this context, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effects of RT alone on the systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Data from 13 studies involving 417 participants (207 assigned to RT and 210 controls) were obtained. The results indicate significant reductions in SBP (−6.16 mmHg CI −8.27 to −4.04; I2: 31.0% P value for heterogeneity = 0.136 and effect size = −0.59) and DBP (−3.70 mmHg CI −5.19 to −2.21; I2: 18.3% P value for heterogeneity = 0.106 and effect size = −0.55) when compared to control groups. In conclusion, RT alone is able to reduce SBP and DBP in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects, especially in elderly individuals.

Objective The Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS) was developed to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it has not yet been adapted and validated in Portuguese. Thus, this study evaluated the reliability and validity of a translated and adapted version of the PAS for the Brazilian population of PD patients. Methods The Parkinson Anxiety Scale – Brazilian Version (PAS-BV) was completed by 55 patients with PD. The reliability (test-retest reliability, interrater reliability and internal consistency) and construct validity of the PAS-BV were assessed by comparing it with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Parkinson’s Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III. Results Patients with PD had an average age of 64.51 ± 9.20 years and had PD for an average of 6.98 ± 5.02 years. The reliability of the PAS-BV was 0.83, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (retest-test) was 0.88. The scale presented good convergent validity with the BAI (rs = 0.82, p < 0.05). It also presented good divergent validity with the PFS (rs = 0.24, p > 0.05) and the UPDRS part II (rs = -0.10, p > 0.05), part III (rs = -0.21, p > 0.05), and part IV (rs = 0.03, p > 0.05), as indicated by the absence of significant correlations. However, there was a significant correlation between the PAS-BV and part I of the UPDRS (rs = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusion The PAS-BV presents substantial reliability and validity for patients with PD without dementia.

Background Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmitted from person to person mainly by sexual intercourse or through vertical transmission during pregnancy. Female sex workers (FSWs) are exposed especially to syphilis infection, and besides all the efforts to control the spread of STIs, syphilis prevalence is still rising, mainly occurring in low-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the syphilis prevalence, demographic characteristics and sexual habits among FSWs in the Amazon region of Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out including 184 FSWs from 3 countryside cities of the state of Pará, Amazon region of Brazil. A venereal disease research laboratory test and an indirect immunoenzyme assay to test antibodies against Treponema pallidum were used for screening syphilis infection, while sexual habits and demographic data information were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed comparing groups with/without syphilis. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the reasons of prevalence (RP). Results The overall prevalence of syphilis was 14.1% (95% CI = 9.8–17.8). FSWs had between 15 and 56 years of age, most were unmarried (65.7%), had attended less than 8 years of formal education (64.1%), had between 10 and 20 partners per week (64.1%), and reported no previous history of STIs (76.1%) and regular use of condom (52.7%). Low level of education attending up to the primary school (RP adjusted = 3.8; 95% CI = 1.4–9.2) and high frequency of anal sex during the past year (RP adjusted = 9.3; 95% CI = 3.5–28.7) were associated with a higher prevalence of syphilis. Conclusions A high prevalence of syphilis among FSWs in the Brazilian Amazon region was identified, showing that syphilis is more likely to be transmitted in FSW working in low-income areas, which is attributed to the low level of education. Anal intercourse was found as a risk factor associated with syphilis. Health programs focused on risk populations appear as a rational way to control syphilis spread, which is a rising problem in Brazil and in other several countries.

A Doenca de Parkinson e a segunda doenca neurodegenerativa de maior prevalencia no mundo. O proposito desta pesquisa foi de tracar o perfil epidemiologico e o nivel de qualidade de vida de pacientes com Doenca de Parkinson atendidos pelo Laboratorio de Bioquimica do Exercicio em uma Universidade Publica do Estado do Para. Relacionando fatores sociais e funcionalidade. Dos 50 pacientes cadastrados no programa, 25 foram submetidos a analise do perfil epidemiologico e ao UPDRS E PDQ-39. Os pacientes apresentaram baixa qualidade de vida e um reduzido nivel de funcionalidade. A variavel renda esta relacionada a escolaridade e maiores comorbidades. Apesar do diagnostico tardio, os pacientes apresentaram boa preservacao cognitiva em contrapartida ao tempo da doenca. Constatou-se que poucas politicas publicas sao direcionadas a essa populacao fragilizada.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of high levels of physical activity (in elite athletes) and sedentary lifestyle on telomere length. Our meta-analysis was carried out using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Science Direct and EBSCO. After study selection, nine articles were included in our meta-analysis. All of the included subjects were elite athletes (with experience in national or international competitions) or sedentary subjects, which served as the control group. The analysis showed that elite athletes (n = 306) had longer telomeres (P = 0.001) compared with the control group (n = 322). The difference in the standardized means was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.43–1.33; I2 83.4% P value for heterogeneity = 0.001), favoring the athlete group. The analysis of the funnel plot did not detect any risk of publication bias in the studies that reported differences in means. Our results suggest that high level chronic physical training may provide protective effects on telomere length.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are an important group of people vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Northern Brazil is a rural and socioeconomically underdeveloped region, with lack of epidemiological information on syphilis in key populations. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with exposure to Treponema pallidum among FSWs in three major cities in northern Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 415 FSWs from the cities of Belém, Macapá, and Rio Branco. Blood samples and personal data were collected from January 2009 to August 2010. Rapid plasma reagin and immunoenzymatic assays were used to detect antibodies against T. pallidum. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. In total, 36.1% were exposed to T. pallidum, and 15.7% had active syphilis. Sexual risk behaviors, use of illicit drugs, low education, and reduced monthly income were associated with exposure to T. pallidum. The high rate of exposure to T. pallidum indicates the urgent need for measures to identify, treat, and prevent syphilis and an education program for the valuation, care, and social inclusion of FSWs in northern Brazil.

A inflamação das meninges pode ser causada por diversos agentes infecciosos e sua prevalência está associada a fatores como o estado imunitário do indivíduo. Pessoas que vivem com HIV/AIDS (PVHIV) apresentam maior risco de adoecimento, podendo evoluir com complicações severas devido a gravidade desta doença. Este foi um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e observacional em PVHIV adultos com notificação compulsória de meningite, no período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2017. Dos 130 casos analisados, 65,3% eram do sexo masculino, 96,5% eram pardos e 79,2% dos casos residiam na região metropolitana de Belém. A idade da população variou de 19 a 61 anos com média de 33,9 anos sendo 55,4% analfabetos ou tinham apenas o ensino fundamental, 13,1% apresentavam carga viral com o valor de 105 a 106 cópias/mL e 46,2% apresentaram LTCD4+ menor que 250 células/mm³. Quanto ao tipo de meningite, 42,3% dos casos eram de meningite tuberculosa (TBM), 40,8% meningite criptocócica (MC) e 16,9% era meningite por outras causas. Os sinais e sintomas mais frequentes na população estudada foram cefaleia (93,1%), febre (86,0%) e vômito (61,5%). A síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (SIDA) foi responsável por 26,1% das causas de óbito, seguida de meningite com 22,8% de casos. Os pacientes com MC acumularam o maior número de óbitos (46,0%). A contagem de LTCD4 e LTCD8 foi significativamente mais alta em pacientes com TBM quando comparada a pacientes com MC. A maioria dos casos de óbito apresentava contagem de linfócitos TCD4+ abaixo de 200 células/mm³ e contagem de LTCD8+ abaixo de 1.000 células/mm³. A população analisada em nosso estudo apresentou um padrão clínico e epidemiológico com predomínio de homens, com idade média de 34 anos, pardos, com baixo nível de escolaridade, pertencentes à região metropolitana de Belém e com alto grau de comprometimento imunológico. Demonstrando também que embora a maioria dos casos fosse de meningite tuberculosa o maior índice de óbitos foi associado aos casos de meningite criptocócica.

Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Papilomav?rus. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Papilomav?rus. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Reference Unit Specialized in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. Bel?m, PA, Brazil Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the genotype diversity of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. From April 2010 to December 2012 cervical specimens were collected from 169 HIV-infected women who screening for cervical cancer at Reference Unit in Bel?m. The detection of HPV infection was performed by nested PCR and HPV type was performed using a commercial system. The prevalence of HPV infection was 63.3%. Of the 47 genotyped samples, 40.4% was found positive for high risk-HPV 16 and 12.8% for high risk-HPV 52. HPV infection was predominant in the group of women with no incidence of cytological abnormalities and more prevalent in women of reproductive age, unmarried, low education level, and who reported use condoms during sexual intercourse. It was observed an association between HPV infection and independent variables, such as condom use, multiple sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. High-risk types of HPV infection were prevalent in our study. Infection with multiple high-risk HPV genotypes may potentiate the development of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous enzymes on nutrient intake and digestibility, rumen fermentation, and productivity of mid-lactating cows. Experiment 1 was designed to test increasing doses [0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] of a combination of 2 enzyme products with xylanase and β-glucanase activities (Ronozyme Wx and Ronozyme VP, respectively; DSM Nutritional Products) on rumen fermentation and total apparent digestibility. Enzyme combinations had a ratio of endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase to endo-1,4-β-xylanase of 8:2 (wt/wt). For experiment 1, 8 rumen cannulated lactating cows were used into a double 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment with 14 d of diet adaptation and 7 d of sampling. Despite no differences in feed intake, carbohydrases linearly increased neutral detergent fiber digestibility. Treatments marginally affected rumen fermentation, where a linear trend for lower rumen pH and a linear trend for greater isobutyrate concentration were observed with increasing enzyme dose. A trend for lower rumen NH3-N concentration was observed for cows receiving carbohydrases in comparison with control group. When comparing all enzyme treatments against control group, cows fed enzymes tended to produce more 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), produced more milk fat, and had greater blood glucose concentration. Experiment 2 evaluated 3 doses (0, 0.5, or 0.75 g/kg of DM) of the same combination of enzyme products on performance of cows (n = 36) in a complete randomized block (n = 12) design. Cows received treatments for 9 wk. No interaction effects between treatments and time were observed for all variables assessed in this study. In agreement with experiment 1, no differences were detected for feed intake, but cows fed the enzyme products tended to produce more 3.5% FCM and milk fat compared with control. In addition, cows fed enzymes exhibited greater efficiency of FCM production (FCM ÷ DM intake) compared with control. No differences were detected for intake and productivity when comparing the 2 doses of carbohydrases. In summary, the enzyme products tested in this study may improve feed efficiency due to greater milk fat concentration.

Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a high vulnerability group for the acquisition of sexual and parenteral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of serological markers and risk factors associated with exposure to HBV and HCV among FSWs in the state of Para, Brazil. A cross-sectional study using principles of the time location sampling (TLS) method was conducted in four cities (Belem, Braganca, Barcarena, and Augusto Correa) of the state of Para, from 2005 to 2006. In total, 365 FSWs were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for serological markers of exposure to HBV and HCV using an enzyme immunoassay. The overall prevalence of exposure to HBV and HCV was 36.7% and 7.7%, respectively. The prevalence of surface antigen of HBV was 3.0%. The prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HBc+ anti-HBs antibodies were 6.3% and 27.4%. Very few (4.7%) FSWs had vaccine immunity against HBV (anti-HBs antibodies only). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 7.7%. Low monthly income, drug usage, and unprotected sex were some of the social characteristics associated with exposure to the viruses using different analysis. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among FSWs in four cities of the state of Para is high when compared to the general population of Brazil, but similar to those found in FSWs in other nondeveloped countries. The prevalence of HBV was higher in Belem, while the prevalence of HCV was higher in the other three cities, highlighting the importance of establishing control and prevention programs to reduce the risk of acquiring these viruses in Para.

A Doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma demência neurodegenerativa caracterizada histopatologicamente pela deposição de peptídios beta amiloides (A?) no cérebro, levando a morte neuronal e perda sináptica. Esta patologia afeta indivíduos, sua maioria, em idade avançada. A idade também funciona como fator de risco no Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), caracterizado pela resistência periférica a insulina decorrente do defeito no receptor para esse hormônio, causando hiperglicemia. Ambas doenças são crônicas, comumente acometendo um mesmo indivíduo, levando a hipótese de haver uma relação entre essas doenças. Em pacientes com DM2 a hiperglicemia crônica gera aumento em espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROS), que levam a disfunção endotelial com desregulação neurovascular e lesão vascular, esta última associada a neurodegeneração. O aumento na concentração de ROS em DM2 está envolvido também com disfunção mitocondrial e aceleração da deposição de A? no cérebro.

Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a key population for the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STI) due to their social vulnerability and the risks associated with their occupation. This study was conducted to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviour among FSWs in cities in northern Brazil, to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1/2) infections and to identify the circulating subtypes of these agents in this key population. A cross-sectional study using the Time Location Sampling (TLS) method was conducted among 339 FSWs in cities in the state of Para from 2005 to 2006. Serological and molecular tests were performed to identify infections and viral subtypes, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. Most FSWs were young, single, less educated and had at least one child. The prevalence of antibodies against HIV-1 and HTLV-1 was 2.3% and 1.7%, respectively. HIV-1 subtypes B (87.5%) and F1 (12.5%) were identified among FSWs, as were Cosmopolitan subtype (1a) and Transcontinental subgroup (A). Unprotected sex and illicit drug use were associated with HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infections using bivariate and multivariate analyses, and age ≥ 27 years was associated only with HIV. The important information highlighted here clearly indicates that the lack of actions to control and prevent pathogens in FSWs and the lack of strategies for health promotion in key populations can further aggravate the epidemiological scenario of viral infections in remote areas with low human development indices. Neglecting these facts may be causing the spread of these two viruses and their respective subtypes in the general population of northern Brazil.

The case of a woman hospitalized due to COVID-19 is presented. The patient developed a severe macrophage activation syndrome diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy, which did not respond to immunoglobulin therapy.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the genotype diversity of HPV infection in HIV-infected women.Methods: From April 2010 to December 2012 cervical specimens were collected from 169 HIV-infected women who screening for cervical cancer at Reference Unit in Belém. The detection of HPV infection was performed by nested PCR and HPV type was performed using the commercial kit.Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 63,3%. Of the 47 genotyped samples, 40,4% was found positive for high risk-HPV 16 and 12.8% for high risk-HPV 52. HPV infection was predominant in the group of women with no incidence of cytological abnormalities and more prevalent in women of reproductive age, unmarried, low education level and who used condoms during sexual intercourse. It was observed an association between HPV infection and independent variables, such as condom use, multiple sexual partners and history of sexually transmitted diseases.Conclusions: High-risk types of HPV infection were prevalent in our study. Infection with multiple high-risk HPV genotypes may potentiate the development of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.

Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Refer?ncia Regional em Enteroviroses. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Funda??o Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laborat?rio de Enterov?rus. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Funda??o Oswaldo Cruz. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Laborat?rio de Enterov?rus. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Refer?ncia Regional em Enteroviroses. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncia Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Refer?ncia Regional em Enteroviroses. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Refer?ncia Regional em Enteroviroses. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Refer?ncia Regional em Enteroviroses. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. On the detection and identifcation of enteroviruses circulating in children with acute gastroenteritis in Brazil: reply to Luchs, A. Comments on Detection and identifcation of enteroviruses circulating in children with acute gastroenteritis in Par? State, Northern Brazil (2010?2011).

O presente estudo objetivou caracterizar o perfil clinico-epidemiológico de pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV) residentes no estado do Pará. Foram incluídos todos os indivíduos, independente de idade ou sexo, cujas amostras, de 2013 a 2015, foram encaminhadas ao Laboratório Central do Pará (LACEN-PA) para a realização do teste de genotipagem do HIV. Os dados foram obtidos por meio da coleta de informações nos laudos do teste de genotipagem guardados no LACEN. Foram coletadas informações como sexo, idade, nível de escolaridade, raça, ano de diagnóstico, motivos relacionados a mudança de esquema terapêutico e presença de mutações. O gênero masculino foi predominante, com faixa etária entre 40 e 50 anos ou mais, pardos e com ensino fundamental. A maioria teve o diagnóstico para o HIV entre os anos 2000 e 2009, tendo a maior parte apresentado mudanças de esquema terapêutico. Tal fato se deu em grande parte pela presença de falha terapêutica e intolerância, corroborando assim com a presença de mutações. No presente estudo observamos um perfil epidemiológico de PVHIV condizente com a literatura, caracterizado pela prevalência do gênero masculino, com faixa etária entre 40 e 50 anos ou mais, pardo e escolaridade em nível fundamental. Foi possível observar também um alto índice de mudanças nos regimes terapêuticos, de falha terapêutica, além de elevadas taxas de mutações. Demonstrando assim, a importância do exame de genotipagem não só para a escolha da terapia mais adequada como também para a adoção de estratégias que busquem melhorar a adesão de PVHIV ao tratamento com antirretrovirais. Novos estudos que possam contribuir com a compreensão e identificação das mudanças dos regimes terapêuticos assim como a contribuição destes para o aparecimento de mutações e consequente falha terapêutica são necessários.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training alone on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Our meta-analysis, followed the guidelines of PRISMA. The search for articles was realized by November 2016 using the following electronic databases: BIREME, PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS and SciELO and a search strategy that included the combination of titles of medical affairs and terms of free text to the key concepts: 'hypertension' 'hypertensive', 'prehypertensive', 'resistance training', 'strength training', and 'weight-lifting'. These terms were combined with a search strategy to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and identified a total of 1608 articles: 644 articles BIREME, 53 SciELO, 722 PubMed, 122 Cochrane Library and 67 LILACS. Of these, five RCTs met the inclusion criteria and provided data on 201 individuals. The results showed significant reductions for systolic blood pressure (-8.2 mm Hg CI -10.9 to -5.5;I2: 22.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.271 and effect size=-0.97) and diastolic blood pressure (-4.1 mm Hg CI -6.3 to -1.9; I2: 46.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.113 and effect size=-0.60) when compared to group control. In conclusion, resistance training alone reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The RCTs studies that investigated the effects of resistance training alone in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients support the recommendation of resistance training as a tool for management of systemic hypertension.

RNA interference technology (RNAi) has recently picked up momentum with the approval of the first RNAi drug for treatment of polyneuropathy caused by hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis. With the potential for small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutics unleashed, other applications are currently sought that can benefit from this technology. Neurological disorders are seen as an area that could immensely benefit from siRNA therapeutics. However, its development has been hampered by the lack of reliable and nontoxic delivery methods to the central nervous system (CNS). One particularly promising option for siRNA delivery entails the use of siRNA-bioconjugate systems, which have garnered exceptionally interesting results for liver applications. While promising, its development for CNS has been lagging. Thus, envisioning new developments for CNS applications, we here discuss specific delivery issues affecting therapeutic drug and nucleic acids delivery to the CNS, as well as some of the technological advancements on nucleic acids modifications and structural alterations applied to siRNA in the context of the bioconjugate systems approach.

Background The progression of Parkinson disease can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, reduced peak expiratory flow and quality of life (QoL). The aim was to evaluate the effects of strength training on levels of respiratory muscle strength, peak expiratory flow and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. Methods A total of 28 patients were randomized into one of two groups: the control group (CG) comprised 16 participants, and the strength training group (STG) comprised 12 participants. All subjects maintained the standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson disease, and the intervention group participated in a 16-week strength training program. The primary outcome was the measurement of respiratory muscle strength. Results The STG showed improved values of maximum inspiratory pressures (36.11±11.82 to 52.94±24.17; P=0.01), maximum expiratory pressures (56.67±22.08 to 71.04±33.71; P=0.03) and QoL (41.75±20.33 to 34±20.92; P=0.0054); there was no significant difference in the peak expiratory flow (336.11±198.04 to 380±229.57; P=0.09). The CG showed significantly decreased values of peak expiratory flow (336.88±183.40 to 279.37±125.12, P=0.02) and non-significant changes in the other variables. Conclusions Sixteen weeks of strength training improves the inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. These findings suggest that strength training could be considered an adjunct therapeutic intervention for elderly with Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND Depression affects up to 40% of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PURPOSE To assess resistance training effects on the depressive symptoms of elderly PD patients. STUDY DESIGN A randomized control study. METHODS Thirty-three patients (aged ≥ 60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) control group: n = 16 and (b) resistance training group (RTG): n = 17. All patients with Parkinson's disease (stage 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The RTG, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, performed 20 weeks of resistance training. The control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, unified Parkinson's Disease scale, and functional capacity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS The RTG presented a significant reduction (P

Mutações no gene GBA têm sido reportadas em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) em diferentes países, incluindo o Brasil. Com o objetivo de confirmar esse padrão em uma amostra de pacientes com DP provenientes do Norte brasileiro, foi conduzindo esse estudo caso-controle investigando a frequência das duas mutações mais comuns do gene GBA (c.1226A>G; p.N370S e c.1448T>C; p.L444P) em um grupo de 81 pacientes com DP e 81 controles, usando PCR-RFLP e confirmado pelo sequenciamento direto de produtos de PCR. No grupo experimental, três pacientes (3,7%) foram heterozigotos para a mutação c.1226A>G; p.N370S e três (3,7%), para a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P Nenhuma das duas mutações foi detectada no grupo controle (p =0,0284). Pacientes com a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P demonstraram uma tendência a apresentar os sintomas mais precocemente, porém um número amostrai maior é necessário para confirmar essa observação. Nossos resultados sugerem uma associação entre essas duas mutações no gene GBA e o desenvolvimento de DP na população de pacientes do norte Brasileiro. Mutations of the GBA gene have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from a number of different countries, including Brazil. In order to confirm this pattern in a sample of PD patients from northern Brazil, we conducted a case-control study of the occurrence of the two most common mutations of the GBA gene (c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P) in a group of 81 PD patients and 81 control individuals, using PCR-RFLP, confirmed by the direct sequencing of the PCR products. In the patient group, three patients (3.7%) were heterozygous for the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S mutation, and three (3.7%) for GBA c.1448T>C; p.L444P Neither mutation was detected in the control group (p =0.0284). Patients with the c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutation showed a tendency to have an earlier disease onset, but a larger sample number is required to confirm this observation. Our results suggest an association between the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutations and the development of PD in the population of patients from the Northern Brazil. CAVALCANTE, Fernando Otávio Quaresma. Universidade Federal do Pará, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto (HUJBB)

ResumoA osteoporose é considerada uma doença osteometabólica comum e sua prevalência está aumentando mundialmente. Nesse contexto, a atividade física tem sido usada como ferramenta não farmacológica para prevenir e auxiliar no tratamento dessa doença. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi avaliar os efeitos da prática do ciclismo e da natação na densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Esta pesquisa foi feita de acordo com as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. Os estudos foram consultados entre 2004 e 2014, por meio de importantes bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed®, SciELO® e Lilacs®. Dez pesquisas avaliaram os efeitos do ciclismo sobre a DMO, os resultados demonstraram que nove estudos associaram a prática do ciclismo profissional com baixos níveis de DMO. Outros 18 estudos relataram que a natação não tem efeitos positivos sobre a massa óssea. Conclui‐se que o ciclismo e a natação não causam efeitos positivos na DMO. Assim, não são os exercícios mais indicados para a prevenção e o tratamento da osteoporose.AbstractOsteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non‐pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed®, SciELO® and LILACS®. Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

The objective of this study was to compare ceftiofur hydrochloride with a positive control protocol for intramammary treatment of nonsevere clinical mastitis in dairy cows. A total of 264 clinical mastitis cases on 11 commercial dairy farms were treated with intramammary infusions, once a day for 4 d using 1 of 2 treatments: (1) ceftiofur hydrochloride 125mg; or (2) control: tetracycline 200mg + neomycin 250mg + bacitracin 28mg + prednisolone 10mg. Streptococcus agalactiae was the most frequently isolated gram-positive pathogen from clinical mastitis, followed by Staphylococcus aureus. Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli were the most isolated gram-negative bacteria from clinical mastitis. No significant differences were observed between treatments regarding the overall clinical cure, bacteriological cure, and new infection. No effect of treatment regimen was observed when the bacterial group (gram-positive vs. gram-negative) was evaluated. The overall clinical cure was 0.79 for ceftiofur-treated cows and 0.74 for control-treated cows, whereas the overall bacteriological cure was 0.79 for ceftiofur-treated cows and 0.76 for control-treated cows. Furthermore, the new intramammary infection was 0.10 for cows treated with ceftiofur and 0.11 for cows treated with control. In conclusion, the use of intramammary ceftiofur hydrochloride for treatment of nonsevere clinical mastitis has similar efficacy as a treatment regimen with a combination of antimicrobial agents (tetracycline + neomycin + bacitracin).

Objective: Delineate a profile of circulating miRNA that interfere with the uptake of c-LDL through the regulation of LDL, APOB-100 and PCSK9 genes that can be used as biomarkers for prognosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. Bibliography review: The atherosclerosis, a chronic and inflammatory disease that occurs when there are high levels of LDL on plasma. This important risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death worldwide. The miRNAs have recently emerged as potential biomarkers and therapeutic target for lipid metabolism disorders. In this review, we will provide profile of circulating miRNAs that have demonstrated being regulators of PCSK9, LDL and APOB100 genes. Recent work has identified the miR-148, miR-128, miR-27a/b, miR-185, miR-301, miR-130 as important regulators of this pathway because they decrease supply of LDL receptors through interaction with PCSK9. Final considerations: We conclude that, when overexpressed, miR-148a, mir128 and miR-27a/b, miR-122 and miR-34 are related to decrease in LDL, facilitating occurrence of atherosclerosis. Detection of miRNAs profile could be used in the future as a biomarker for disturbs linked to c-LDL uptake and in future anti-miRNAs therapies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

This study was financed in part by the Coordenac??o de Aperfeic?oamento de Pessoal de N??vel Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Estudos Costeiros. Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Popula??es Vulner?veis. Bragan?a, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazi Introduction - Human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family with limited cause-effect evidence of the causation of human diseases. However, studies have shown a potential beneficial impact of HPgV-1 coinfection in HIV disease progression. Human T lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus known for causing diseases, especially in muscle and white blood cells, in approximately 5% of patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential effects of an HPgV-1 infection in patients carrying HTLV-1 in the state of Par? in the North Region of Brazil. Methods - A group of HTLV-1 carriers was compared to healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, data from medical regards were collected, and a questionnaire was administered. HPgV-1 and HTLV-1 positivity was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data were analyzed to correlate the effects of HPgV-1 coinfection in HTLV-1 carriers. Results - A total of 158 samples were included in the study: 74 HTLV-1-positive patients (46,8%) and 84 healthy controls (53,2%). The overall HPgV-1 positivity rate was 7.6% (12/158), resulting in a prevalence of 5.4% (4/74) and 9.5% (8/84) in HTLV-1 carriers and healthy controls, respectively. No significant differences were found when comparing any clinical or demographic data between groups. Conclusion - This study indicated that the prevalence of HPgV-1 infection is low in HTLV-1 carriers in Bel?m, Par?, and probably does not alter the clinical course of HTLV-1 infection, however, further studies are still needed.

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic, ethyological and clinical aspects of patients with liver cirrhosis treated in the Chronic Liver Disease Center. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study based on the analysis of 580 pacients’ medical records with the diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis treated from 2004 to 2014 in Belém, Brazil. Conclusions: the profile was predominantly of male patients, aged between 51 and 60 years, coming from the capital ​​Belem, whose main etiologies of cirrhosis were C hepatitis and alcohol. Ascites was the most frequent clinical manifestation and Child-Pugh score A was the most prevalent.

Title: Evaluation of risk factors in cardiovascular patients with diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Background: prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in lupic patients.This study aimed to evaluate the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in patients diagnosed with SLE in a Rheumatology Ambulatory, comparing groups with and without SLE nephritis. Methods: a quantitative, observational and cross-sectional study was carried out during the period from November 2016 to June 2017. 86 patients were interviewed using specific protocol. Conclusions: among the cardiovascular risk factors evaluated, systemic hypertension was more frequent in SLE patients (33.7%), followed by smoking (17.4%) and diabetes mellitus (5.8%). There was, however, no difference between the frequency of these comorbidities in the groups with and without lupus nephritis.

Objective: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–39. Results: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

The use of preclinical models to investigate antitumor effects of exercise on breast tumor (BT) development and progression are critical. However, published results have not been quantitatively summarized or examined for potential exercise-moderating variables. We conducted this review to summarize and quantify the effect-size of exercise on BT outcomes in preclinical studies. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE) databases. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE’s RoB tool. A total of 116 correlations were performed to analyze 28 preclinical studies published through December 2016, which included 2,085 animals and 51 exercise programs. Positive effects of small, medium and large magnitude were observed in tumor incidence, growth and multiplicity, respectively. In the tumor microenvironment, positive effects of large magnitude were also observed in proliferation and apoptosis but not in angiogenesis. Moderator variables correlated with higher intervention effects were identified along with a considerable heterogeneity in exercise protocols that precluded us from clearly perceiving the benefits of exercise exposure. In conclusion, exercise performed under specific conditions benefits BT outcomes. Preclinical studies with exercise designs mimicking exercise exposure that can be used in clinical contexts are needed.

Parkinson disease (PD) results in impairment of neural stimulus and transmission to the respiratory muscles, may leading to upper airway obstruction, which can be aggravated by postural alterations in PD patients. Resistance training (RT) is recommended specially to elderly individuals, due to its beneficial effects on muscle strength and quality of life. However, the effects of high intensity RT on pulmonary response of PD population is unknown. Thus, the effects of a high intensity (85% maximal work load) RT program (16 weeks, 2x/week, 3 sets of 8 reps, composed by seated bench press, seated row, deadlift, standing calf and abdominal) in 32 elders (64,9±2.32 years old; body max index 26,89±1.41), which were randomized in Control and Exercised groups were evaluated. Peak flow, maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressure (MEP), hand grip strength, quality of life (PQD-39 questionnaire), functional capacity (performance-oriented mobility assessment, 6 minutes walking test, maximum gait speed, rising from the chair and walking), flexibility, anxiety and depression and exercise specific strength were measured before and after completing the 16 weeks of exercise. RT resulted in improvements in peak flow rate (p

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most prevalent infectious microorganism affecting dairy cattle worldwide, and its pathogenic characteristics facilitate its spread in dairy herds. S. aureus intramammary infections (IMI) are mainly subclinical, and associated losses can exceed average herd losses where the pathogen is not isolated. However, the extent it affects milk composition at udder and quarter levels is still unknown, and cow composite milk losses may be underestimated due to the dilution effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of S. aureus subclinical mastitis on mammary quarter milk yield and composition. In order to determine the effects of the pathogen on milk yield and composition at quarter level, a pairwise comparison of infected and non-infected mammary quarters (n = 28) from two dairy herds was carried out. Quarters were individually milked, and milk production and composition were assessed. S. aureus has increased somatic cell counts at quarter level; however, no effect of S. aureus IMI on milk lactose, fat, and protein contents was observed. Fat yield from infected quarters decreased, but losses due to the infection caused by S. aureus were not associated with quarter positioning in cows.

The objective of this study was to evaluate herd management practices and mastitis treatment procedures as risk factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus antimicrobial resistance. For this study, 13 herds were selected to participate in the study to evaluate the association between their management practices and mastitis treatment procedures and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 1069 composite milk samples were collected aseptically from the selected cows in four different periods over two years. The samples were used for microbiological culturing of S. aureus isolates and evaluation of their antimicrobial susceptibility. A total of 756 samples (70.7%) were culture-positive, and S. aureus comprised 27.77% (n=210) of the isolates. The S. aureus isolates were tested using the disk-diffusion susceptibility assay with the following antimicrobials: ampicillin 10mg; clindamycin 2μg; penicillin 1mg; ceftiofur 30μg; gentamicin 10mg; sulfa-trimethoprim 25μg; enrofloxacin 5μg; sulfonamide 300μg; tetracycline 30μg; oxacillin 1mg; cephalothin 30μg and erythromycin 5μg. The variables that were significantly associated with S. aureus resistance were as follows: the treatment of clinical mastitis for ampicillin (OR=2.18), dry cow treatment for enrofloxacin (OR=2.11) and not sending milk samples for microbiological culture and susceptibility tests, for ampicillin (OR=2.57) and penicillin (OR=4.69). In conclusion, the identification of risk factors for S. aureus resistance against various mastitis antimicrobials is an important information that may help in practical recommendations for prudent use of antimicrobial in milk production.

The blowfly Lucilia cuprina is distributed worldwide and is a mechanical vector of pathogens. It can cause myiasis in humans and is strongly related to forensic entomology, as it is frequently found on human and animal corpses. However, most of the L. cuprina found on corpses are the immature stages of this fly. Correct identification is very important for forensic entomology but at present only the identification keys of adult L. cuprina are available. Thus, the aim of this paper was to describe and analyze the morphological characteristics of all larval instars and the puparia of L. cuprina using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Background:This meta-analysis study aims to assess the efficacy of school-based and after-school intervention programs on the BMIs of child and adolescents, addressing the correlation between some moderating variables.Methods:We analyzed 52 studies (N = 28,236) published between 2000–2011.Results:The overall effect size was 0.068 (P < .001), school (r = .069) and after-school intervention (r = .065). Programs conducted with children aged between 15–19 years were the most effective (r = .133). Interventions programs with boys and girls show better effect sizes (r = .110) than programs that included just girls (r = .073). There were no significant differences between the programs implemented in school and after-school (P = .770). The effect size was higher in interventions lasting 1 year (r = .095), with physical activity and nutritional education (r = .148), and that included 3–5 sessions of physical activity per week (r = .080). The effect size also increased as the level of parental involvement increased.Conclusions:Although of low magnitude (r = .068), the intervention programs had a positive effect in prevention and decreasing obesity in children. This effect seems to be higher in older children’s, involving interventions with physical activity and nutritional education combined, with parent’s participation and with 1-year duration. School or after-school interventions had a similar effect.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different feed additives on intake, performance, and fecal consistency index (FCI) of dairy calves from 6-60 d of age and its residual effect 15 d after weaning. Fifty Holstein calves (38 ± 1.0 kg BW) were fed 5 L/d of milk plus starter feed until weaning, and corn silage and concentrate after weaning. The treatments were: control (CON), monensin (MON; 30 mg/kg of starter), probiotic E. faecium (PROB; 70 mg/kg of starter), essential oils (EO; 300 mg/kg of starter), or PROB + EO (EOPROB). Fecal score and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured daily, and animals were weighed every 15 d. A DNA extraction from feces was performed to identify the presence of microorganisms (E. coli, Hafnia, Shiguella, Lactobacillus spp, Enterococcus spp, and Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415) by PCR. Two 72-h digestibility trials were performed at days 20-28 and 50-56, by total fecal collection. The DMI before weaning was greater for EO (903.0 g/d) compared with MON (794.3 g/d) and EOPROB (783.1 g/d). The FCI decreased during pre-weaning for EO and MON. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE) did not differ among treatments before weaning. After weaning, DMI and FCI did not differ among treatments. The EO had greater ADG (917.5 g/d) compared with CON (615.8 g/d) and PROB (592.6 g/d). The FE improved with EO (0.72 g/g) over CON (0.36 g/g), MON (0.49 g/g), and PROB (0.36 g/g). The PCR results showed absence of E. faecium NCIMB 10415 in animals fed PROB and CON. Animals fed PROB had greater intake of CP and NDF than animals fed EOPROB. The EO can be added to the dairy calf ration to improve fecal score and increase DMI. The pre-weaning FCI decrease with MON and increase with PROB.

Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a necrophagous insect and represents an important role in forensic entomology, as it is always collected at animal/human corpses. Immature sarcophagids are extremely similar in morphological aspects and can be found colonizing both fresh and mummified bodies. Flesh fly larvae are reported to cause accidental myiasis. In the Neotropical regions little is known about the ultrastructure of immature stages of Sarcophagidae. Scanning electron microscopy gives detailed information on the morphological characters, which can help identify the immature forms of the flies. The aim of this study is to identify larvae and puparia of P. (E.) collusor using this methodology. The integument with net-like patches and the shape and disposition of intersegmental spines of the larval instars can be used to distinguish this flesh fly larva. The number of spiracular ramifications is variable at larval instars. The puparia are very similar to third instar larvae, except for the cephalic structures that are retracted. In conclusion, scanning electron microscopy could help entomologists to identify the immature forms of P. (E.) collusor in forensic investigations and consequently serves as a tool in crime scene investigations.

Objective—To compare the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cephapirin and ceftiofur with MICs of their active metabolites (desacetylcephapirin and desfuroylceftiofur) for selected mastitis pathogens. Sample—488 mastitis pathogen isolates from clinically and subclinically affected cows in commercial dairy herds in Wisconsin. Procedures—Agar dilution was used to determine MICs for Staphylococcus aureus (n = 98), coagulase-negative staphylococci (99), Streptococcus dysgalactiae (97), Streptococcus uberis (96), and Escherichia coli (98). Results—All S aureus isolates were susceptible to cephapirin and ceftiofur. Most coagulase-negative staphylococci were susceptible to cephapirin and ceftiofur. For E coli, 50 (51.0%; cephapirin) and 93 (94.95%; ceftiofur) isolates were susceptible to the parent compounds, but 88 (89.8%) were not inhibited at the maximum concentration of desacetylcephapirin. All S dysgalactiae isolates were susceptible to ceftiofur and cephapirin, and consistent MICs were obtained for all compounds. Most S uberis isolates were susceptible to cephapirin and ceftiofur. Of 98 S aureus isolates classified as susceptible to ceftiofur, 42 (42.9%) and 51 (52%) were categorized as intermediate or resistant to desfuroylceftiofur, respectively. For 99 coagulase-negative staphylococci classified as susceptible to ceftiofur, 45 (45.5%) and 17 (17.2%) isolates were categorized as intermediate or resistant to desfuroylceftiofur, respectively. For all staphylococci and streptococci, 100% agreement in cross-classified susceptibility outcomes was detected between cephapirin and desacetylcephapirin. No E coli isolates were classified as susceptible to desacetylcephapirin. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Differences in inhibition between parent compounds and their active metabolites may be responsible for some of the variation between clinical outcomes and results of in vitro susceptibility tests.

Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado do Par? (FAPESPA, Grant no. 236/2009); ? Capacita??o e Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES), Instituto Nacional de Gen?tica M?dica Populacional (Edital de Gen?tica Cl?nica/CNPq, Grant no. 402050/2010-0); and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient??fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq, Grant no. 573993/2008-4). Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Universidade do Estado do Par?. Departamento de Morfologia e Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogen?tica. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Exatas e Naturais. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Background. Recent data have suggested that polymorphisms in the length of the polyalanine tract (polyA) of FOXE1 gene may act as a susceptibility factor for thyroid dysgenesis. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of polyA of FOXE1 gene on the risk of thyroid dysgenesis. Method. A case-control study was conducted in a sample of 90 Brazilian patients with thyroid dysgenesis and 131 controls without family history of thyroid disease. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and the genotype of each individual was determined by automated sequencing. Results. More than 90% of genotypes found in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis and in controls subjects were represented by sizes 14 and 16 polymorphisms in the following combinations: 14/14, 14/16, and 16/16. Genotypes 14/16 and 16/16 were more frequent in the control group, while genotype 14/14 was more frequent in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis. There was no difference between agenesis group and control group. Genotype 14/14 when compared to genotypes 14/16 and 16/16A showed an association with thyroid dysgenesis. Conclusion. PolyA of FOXE1 gene alters the risk of thyroid dysgenesis, which may explain in part the etiology of this disease.